Submitted by: Dan Rich

Giovanni Aversa

Jan. 15, 1916 - March 19, 1999

South Bend Tribune 3/20/1999

Giovanni ''John'' Aversa, 83, of Adams Road, South Bend, Ind., died early Friday Morning, March 19, in his home. He was born in Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy, to Domenico and Beatrice (Pedulla) Aversa, and moved to South Bend, Ind., in April 1962.

On Aug. 5, 1937, Giovanni Aversa married Caterina Pelle, his lifelong mate, who survives him. Giovanni and Caterina have two children, Beatrice Maria Agostino, wife of the late Frank Agostino of South Bend, and Domenico ''Dom'' Aversa and his wife, Dawn Bonavia of South Bend. Mr. Aversa is also survived by eight grandchildren, Joseph and Kim Agostino, Alba and Jeff Irons, Tony and Kate Agostino, all of South Bend, Jessie and Kristin Agostino of Illinois, Rose and Greg Speights of Hawaii, Cay Agostino of Highland, Ind., and John and Mario Aversa of South Bend; three great-grandchildren, Giotto, Anna and Austin; and by a brother, Giuseppe Aversa, and a sister, Giuditta Aversa Cusato, both of Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy.

Mr. Aversa retired from Wheel Horse Products as a mechanic machinist after twenty years of service. He had served seven years in the Italian Army during World War II.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 22, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with entombment to follow in Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Mr. Aversa was a loyal and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all.